Chaplin’s birthday celebrated with Google Doodle and free iPhone app

What would have been Charlie Chaplin’s 122nd birthday is not only celebrated by a special Google Doodle (below) on its homepage — but the also the chance to download the Silent Film Director iPhone app for free

Born Charles Spencer Chaplin on April 16, 1889 in a south London slum, Charlie Chaplin moved to Hollywood, became a silent film star and one of the most recognizable pop icons of all time.

Google celebrates specific dates every year on its search homepage with a Google Doodle. These usually take the form of a static image, but lately the search giant has been experimenting with animation or even a game.

The Silent film Director app is being offered as free download by developers McPhun until midnight.

If you feel like making your own tribute to Chaplin with the app you can enter your film in the International Retro Film Contest, check out the website for terms and conditions and prizes.

• smartmoviemaking.com is the official media partner of the International Retro Film Contest